TAIPEI: Acer today announced its first phablet device here in Computex, designed to be a new travel companion for professionals and adventurers alike. With a large 5.7″ HD 1280 x 720 screen and intelligent applications, the Acer Liquid S1 enhances mobile productivity and entertainment.

Featuring single/dual SIM cards, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, 42 Mbps data connection, a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, and a day’s worth of battery power, the Acer Liquid S1 combines the work efficiency of a tablet PC with the convenience and rich multimedia features of a smartphone. It is an all-in-one mobile device that opens up more possibilities for users to communicate and explore.[image_library_tag 610/79610, style=”float: left;” alt=”acer-phablet” ,default]

More than just a bigger phone or a smaller tablet

The Acer Liquid S1 is another example of Acer’s progressive design approach – this time to create a more open, comfortable multitasking experience. “We saw that for most people, the smartphone is still a largely restricted, single-task experience,” said S.T. Liew, President, Acer Smartphone Business Group. “With the Acer Liquid S1 we wanted our software and hardware working together to open that up.”

Acer Float User Interface allows several app windows to stay open so users can multitask without having to back out of one app to work on another. The press of a key brings up the Float Apps shortcut; apps on a translucent screen float over the function being used. It is easy to access or switch Float Apps anytime. These apps include camera, maps, calculator and notes. A Float Caller notification ensures that users will not be interrupted by incoming calls that take over the full screen. When a call comes in, the Float Caller mini-window pops up and the user can choose to take the call or reply with a quick message.

Acer Auto Profile supports predefined network settings for frequently visited locations, so when a user visits a programmed location, the Acer Liquid S1 can automatically adjust settings including brightness, volume and vibration; and can even power on or off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G connections .

The optional digital pen writes freely and smoothly like a full size pen with a thick 9.5mm grip. The pen comes equipped with two buttons: one to launch the Float Notes app, and another to toggle between write and erase modes during note taking.

Voice Unlock directly opens apps or interfaces by recording and using personal voice commands. Users can quickly unlock the Acer Liquid S1 to the home screen or other applications by voice, in one easy step.

Acer data traffic manager keeps a close eye on daily and monthly data usage, which is especially handy for users who do not have an unlimited data plan.

Wireless office at hand

The Acer Liquid S1 gives users ready, open access to their documents and files wherever they go. Professionals can leave documents and computers behind, secure in knowing that they can wirelessly retrieve their files via Acer Docs. Users can also remotely access files from their main PC through Acer Remote Files.